Police were called to the 5600 block of 11th Street at 12:13 a.m. today after a car and sport utility vehicle crashed into a roadside ditch.

Richard Parker, 35, a passenger in the car, was pronounced dead at the scene. Parker died of blunt trauma to the head, according to the Winnebago County Coroner's office.

A passenger in the car and the driver of the SUV were both taken to local hospitals with non life-threatening injuries.

Police say the SUV was traveling north on 11th Street and collided with the rear of the car, forcing both vehicles off the roadway. Rockford Police Department traffic investigators say alcohol may have played a role in the crash. They are conducting a follow-up investigation and say charges are pending.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the Rockford Police shift commander at 815-987-5824 or CrimeStoppers at 815-963-7867.